Preventing Childhood Obesity – Eating Better, Moving More

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

24 Aug 201859:58

EducationalLearning

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TLDRThe CDC Public Health Grand Rounds from August 2018 focused on strategies to prevent childhood obesity, emphasizing the importance of promoting better nutrition and physical activity among children. The session highlighted the role of early care and education environments in shaping children's habits and addressed the disparities in obesity rates among different demographic groups. The speakers discussed the evidence supporting multicomponent approaches to obesity prevention in schools and the need for further research to understand effective implementation and address health disparities. The discussion underscored the value of collaboration between health and education sectors in creating healthy environments for children.

Takeaways

📈 Obesity rates among American children have tripled since the 1970s, with one in five children affected.
🎯 The CDC focuses on prevention strategies within early care and education environments to combat childhood obesity.
🏥 BMI (Body Mass Index) is a crucial measure used to assess weight status in children and adults, but it's not a diagnostic tool.
🌽 Dietary guidelines for Americans recommend daily vegetable intake, yet most children do not meet these recommendations.
🏃 Physical activity and healthy eating are linked to improved academic performance and reduced obesity rates.
🧠 Neuroscience supports the benefits of physical activity for brain function, leading to the concept of the 'rainbow brain'.
🏫 Schools are ideal settings for obesity prevention due to the amount of time children spend there and the potential for behavior change.
🥇 Recognition and award programs in ECE and school settings can be effective when well-funded and supported with training.
👩‍🏫 Teacher health directly impacts student academic outcomes, reinforcing the importance of wellness initiatives for educators.
🤝 Cross-sector collaboration, such as between health and education departments, is crucial for successful implementation of health initiatives in schools.
📊 Data and research are key to understanding and addressing health disparities, particularly in childcare and early education settings.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the CDC Public Health Grand Rounds for August 2018?
-The primary focus of the CDC Public Health Grand Rounds for August 2018 is on strategies to encourage children to eat better and move more in order to prevent obesity.
What is the significance of BMI in assessing weight status in children and adults?
-BMI, or body mass index, is a significant measure used in public health to assess weight status in both children and adults. It is a calculation of weight divided by height squared and serves as a valid and inexpensive screening measure of weight status, with a high BMI correlating with high adiposity.
How has the prevalence of obesity among children and teens changed since the 1970s?
-The prevalence of obesity among children and teens has more than tripled since the 1970s, indicating a growing public health concern.
What are some of the health risks associated with obesity in children?
-Obesity in children increases the risk for acute physical and psychological health concerns, including early signs of type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, fatty liver, lower self-esteem, and a greater risk for bullying.
How does obesity disproportionately affect certain populations?
-Obesity disproportionately affects certain populations, including Hispanics, non-Hispanic black children, and children from lower-income families, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.
What are the key factors that influence early weight gain in infants, and how can they be addressed?
-Key factors that influence early weight gain in infants include breastfeeding practices, the timing of introduction of first foods, and feeding practices. Addressing these factors involves promoting breastfeeding, encouraging the introduction of solid foods at an appropriate age, and advising against feeding to calm or soothe but rather feeding based on hunger cues.
What is the role of adipose tissue or body fat in metabolism, and how does excess adiposity impact body functions?
-Adipose tissue, or body fat, is metabolically active and its amount, distribution, and secretory function determine the impact of obesity on body functions. Prolonged excess adiposity can cause inflammation and fat accumulation within muscles and organs, inhibiting their function.
How does the CDC support efforts to prevent childhood obesity?
-The CDC supports efforts to prevent childhood obesity through public health surveillance, training, technical assistance, peer-to-peer networking, development of translation tools and resources, and funding of states and communities to implement obesity prevention best practices.
What are the key components of a comprehensive approach to reducing childhood obesity in schools?
-A comprehensive approach to reducing childhood obesity in schools includes policy changes, environmental supports, and systems-level changes that promote physical activity and healthy eating, as well as engaging families and the community at large.
What is the significance of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model in school health?
-The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model emphasizes a multi-component and multi-setting approach to improving children's health and well-being. It illustrates how a child's emotional, physical, and academic development requires multiple components, including physical education and physical activity, and a nutritional environment and services.
How can the NAP SACC intervention be adapted for use in different settings and populations?
-The NAP SACC intervention can be adapted for use in different settings and populations by understanding the specific needs and contexts of those settings and populations. This may involve cultural adaptations, language translations, and ensuring that the intervention is sensitive to the unique challenges and resources available in each location.

Outlines

00:00

📅 Introduction and Welcome to Public Health Grand Rounds

Dr. John Iskander opens the CDC Public Health Grand Rounds for August 2018, expressing his pleasure in welcoming the audience. He introduces the continuing education aspect of the session and encourages viewers to send questions. Dr. Iskander mentions the 'Beyond the Data' video segment on YouTube and the CDC library's scientific articles related to the session. He also highlights upcoming Grand Rounds topics and acknowledges the contributions of listed individuals. Dr. Anne Schuchat is introduced as the CDC's principal deputy director and she addresses the audience, focusing on strategies to prevent childhood obesity by improving children's eating and physical activity habits.

05:00

📈 Understanding Childhood Obesity and Its Implications

Captain Heidi Blanck discusses the impact of childhood obesity on communities, explaining how BMI is used to assess weight status in children and adults. She presents data showing the increase in obesity prevalence among various age groups since 2000 and emphasizes the disparities in obesity rates related to race, ethnicity, and income. Blanck also addresses the misconception that children will outgrow obesity and presents data showing the progression of weight issues from kindergarten to adulthood. She explains the metabolic activity of adipose cells and the health risks associated with obesity, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

10:01

🥗 The Importance of Early Intervention for Obesity Prevention

The discussion continues with a focus on early weight gain in infants as a predictor of childhood obesity and the protective factors against it, such as breastfeeding and responsive feeding. The importance of a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and limiting sedentary behaviors for both adults and children is highlighted. Data graphics reveal that most US children do not meet the recommended amounts of healthy foods or physical activity. The presentation also addresses the high consumption of sugary beverages among children and the disparities in calorie intake from these beverages among different racial and ethnic groups.

15:04

🏫 Early Care and Education (ECE) Settings as a Solution

Krista Scott from Child Care Aware emphasizes the role of early care and education settings in obesity prevention efforts. She outlines the different types of ECE settings and their impact on children's nutrition, physical activity, and development. Scott discusses the federal and state requirements for childcare, including the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and its impact on low-income children. She also addresses the challenges faced by states in meeting these requirements and the need for guidance and support. Scott highlights the work of Child Care Aware of America in providing support to providers and states to ensure healthy childcare settings.

20:04

🏢 Strategies for Implementing Healthier Standards in Out-of-School Time Settings

The conversation shifts to strategies for implementing healthier standards in out-of-school time settings. The National AfterSchool Association's physical activity and nutrition standards are mentioned, and the adoption of these standards by various organizations is discussed. The importance of leveraging electronic health records for local-level data collection and surveillance is also noted. The speakers acknowledge the need for more research and evaluation in this area, especially as it pertains to larger-scale interventions and the potential for reducing health disparities.

25:04

🎓 The Role of Schools in Obesity Prevention

Sarah Sliwa from CDC Healthy Schools discusses the strategic role of schools in obesity prevention, given the amount of time children spend in schools. She highlights the importance of physical activity and nutrition for academic achievement and the whole-school, whole-community, whole-child framework for addressing obesity. Sliwa reviews the evidence supporting multicomponent, comprehensive approaches to improving student weight status and the CDC's School Health Guidelines for promoting physical activity and healthy eating. The need for ongoing research to identify effective strategies, especially at the high school level, is emphasized, as well as the importance of understanding the long-term impacts and sustainability of these interventions.

30:06

🌟 Showcasing Success in School Districts

Mikki Duran shares insights from the Appleton School District in Wisconsin, emphasizing the importance of connecting health with academic success to gain school administrators' attention. She discusses the use of data to support health initiatives and the implementation of a physical activity program to improve student health and learning. Duran also talks about the district's efforts to increase activity time during the school day and the positive outcomes of using wellness rooms to help students with physical aggression. The role of school wellness policies and the Whole School Child Model in guiding school districts is highlighted, along with the importance of involving the entire school community in health efforts.

35:08

💡 Addressing Questions and Sharing Expertise

The session concludes with a Q&A segment where the panelists address questions from the audience and online viewers. Topics discussed include strategies for getting teachers to adopt healthy habits, the structure of wellness rooms, the importance of teacher health, and the challenges of implementing health policies in schools. The panelists also discuss high-priority scientific gaps and areas for future research, such as understanding optimal infant nutrition, the impact of social determinants on health, and the need for process and implementation science to enhance the adoption and effectiveness of evidence-based interventions.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity refers to a medical condition where children have excess body fat, which can lead to various health problems such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, and sleep apnea. In the video, it is highlighted as a serious public health issue affecting one in five children in America, with certain populations, including Hispanics and non-Hispanic black children, being disproportionately affected. The video discusses various strategies to prevent and reduce childhood obesity, emphasizing the importance of early intervention in childcare and education settings.

💡Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening measure used in public health to assess weight status in both children and adults. It is calculated by dividing weight by height squared. While a high BMI correlates with high adiposity, it is not a diagnostic measure. In the video, it is explained that a child's BMI is plotted against a sex-specific reference standard to determine the child's percentile, which helps identify obesity. However, further assessment by a healthcare provider is needed for a definitive diagnosis.

💡Public Health Grand Rounds

Public Health Grand Rounds is a forum for discussing public health topics, providing continuing education for healthcare professionals, and fostering discussions on critical health issues. In the video, the Grand Rounds session for August 2018 focuses on strategies to prevent childhood obesity, highlighting the importance of community efforts and multi-setting approaches to create healthy environments for children and families.

💡Early Care and Education (ECE)

Early Care and Education (ECE) refers to the range of services provided for children from infancy through age eight, encompassing childcare, preschool, and early primary education. In the video, ECE is emphasized as a critical setting for obesity prevention efforts because it is a time when children are highly impressionable and spend a significant amount of time. The video discusses the impact of ECE on children's nutrition, physical activity levels, and overall health behaviors.

💡Health Disparities

Health disparities refer to the unequal distribution of health resources and outcomes across different population groups, often linked to social, economic, or environmental factors. In the context of the video, health disparities are evident in the higher prevalence of childhood obesity among certain racial and ethnic groups, as well as children from lower-income families. The video underscores the need to address these disparities as part of comprehensive obesity prevention strategies.

💡Physical Activity

Physical activity refers to any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure. In the video, it is emphasized as a crucial component in the prevention of childhood obesity. Regular physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, stronger bones and muscles, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. The video discusses the importance of integrating physical activity into children's daily routines, both in school and out-of-school time settings.

💡Nutrition

Nutrition refers to the intake and utilization of food and its components to maintain health and growth. In the video, nutrition is highlighted as a key factor in childhood obesity prevention, with a focus on promoting healthy eating habits. This includes providing children with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting consumption of sugary beverages and foods high in saturated fats and sugars.

💡Health Education

Health education involves teaching people about behaviors that promote health and wellness. In the video, health education is discussed as a vital component in preventing childhood obesity, as it equips children, parents, and caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about diet and physical activity. This includes providing information and resources to help individuals understand the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and the steps they can take to achieve it.

💡Community Engagement

Community engagement refers to the process of involving local communities in activities that impact their lives, including public health initiatives. In the context of the video, community engagement is essential for supporting efforts to prevent childhood obesity. This involves partnering with local organizations, parents, and other stakeholders to create environments that facilitate healthy eating and physical activity, as well as to raise awareness about the importance of these behaviors.

💡Interventions

Interventions in the context of public health refer to planned activities or measures designed to improve health outcomes or prevent disease. The video highlights various interventions aimed at preventing childhood obesity, such as promoting healthier diets, increasing physical activity, and creating supportive environments in childcare and educational settings. These interventions are multifaceted, involving policy changes, environmental modifications, and educational efforts.

Highlights

CDC Public Health Grand Rounds for August 2018 focused on strategies to prevent childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity affects one-in-five children in America and has more than tripled since the 1970s.

Obesity increases a child's risk for various health concerns, including type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, and fatty liver.

Certain populations, such as Hispanics, non-Hispanic black children, and children from lower-income families, are disproportionately affected by obesity.

Public Health Grand Rounds is available on web and social media sites, and questions can be submitted for the Q&A portion.

The session features interviews with Mikki Duran and Dr. Heidi Blanck on the YouTube segment 'Beyond the Data'.

CDC's principal deputy director, Dr. Anne Schuchat, emphasized the importance of preventing obesity in early care and education environments.

Captain Heidi Blanck discussed the use of BMI to assess weight status and the importance of early prevention efforts.

Childhood obesity prevention has broad school, work, and societal benefits, including improvements in chronic disease risk and mental health.

Research shows that early weight gain in infancy is a predictor of childhood obesity.

Krista Scott from Child Care Aware highlighted the role of early care and education settings in obesity prevention.

The NAP SACC intervention allows childcare facility directors to assess and plan changes to nutrition and physical activity offerings.

Obesity costs the United States healthcare system an estimated $147 billion a year.

Systematic reviews find that interventions in the ECE setting can improve health behaviors and modestly reduce individual BMI.

Child Care Aware of America provides support to providers and states to help children access healthy childcare settings.

Schools are a strategic setting for obesity prevention, with 95% of school-age children enrolled and spending significant time there.

The Whole School, Whole-Community, Whole-Child framework illustrates how a child's development requires multiple components, including physical education and nutrition.

CDC School Health Guidelines present an evidence-based approach to promoting physical activity and healthy eating in schools.

Transcripts

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Related Tags

Childhood Obesity Public Health CDC Strategies Nutrition Education Physical Activity Healthcare Professionals Community Outreach Preventive Measures Health Disparities School Health